Malaysia were pushed hard in the match and the need for goals was not achieved, and despite the 1-0 win over Laos, the more difficult task comes on Tuesday when Malaysia will need to beat China to have any chance of reaching the AFC U23 Championship finals in Bangkok next year.
Ong Kim Swee sprang a surprise with his team selection, dropping Safawi Rasid and Nik Akif Syahiran to the bench. With Danial Amier missing through injury, the head coach of Malaysia opted to field K. Thivandaran and Danial Haqim in midfield. Evan Wensley also got a rare start in place of Shahrul Nizam in the defence.